Penn Waitlist

[Hbdash]

Hi Dave! Unfortunately, I got waitlisted by Penn on Friday. In the email, they wrote: "You are welcome to submit additional materials, such as an updated resume, an additional two page essay on a topic of your choice, or one additional letter of recommendation."

I've heard that Penn is very into their yield protection, and thus values a good Why Penn essay on their application, which I wrote. I'm not a YP applicant (LSAT just below median, gpa above the 75th) so I'd like to make my desire to go to Penn very apparent in this additional information I send them. Based on your experience, is this two page essay they recommend a standard LOCI or is it just another opportunity for me to reaffirm why I want to attend Penn Law? There was no mention of a formal LOCI anywhere else on the email.

Thank you so much!

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Hb,

Thanks for the question! It's not a standard LOCI because a LOCI wouldn't be two-pages in length, and so they want more than a "I'm still interested" essay. They want something that adds to their assessment of you as a candidate (this is further underscored by the option of adding a new LOR or updated resume). So, writing a Why Penn? essay for them at this point is a good choice, and of course that statement automatically serves the same purpose as a LOCI and lets them know of your interest. Also, if they are truly your #1 choice, say so clearly (I'd even go so far as to say you will attend if admitted).

Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!

[Hbdash]

Hi Hb,

Thanks for the question! It's not a standard LOCI because a LOCI wouldn't be two-pages in length, and so they want more than a "I'm still interested" essay. They want something that adds to their assessment of you as a candidate (this is further underscored by the option of adding a new LOR or updated resume). So, writing a Why Penn? essay for them at this point is a good choice, and of course that statement automatically serves the same purpose as a LOCI and lets them know of your interest. Also, if they are truly your #1 choice, say so clearly (I'd even go so far as to say you will attend if admitted).

Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!

That was really helpful - thank you so much for the quick reply!

I was considering sending a LOCI in the form of an email, and including in the letter that I have also attached a two page essay reaffirming my commitment to Penn Law. Does this sound like a good idea to you? And when do you recommend that I send it? (the seat deposit deadline is May 1st)

Thanks so much again!

[Dave Killoran]

I don't know that it is necessary since the essay itself serves as notice of intent, especially if you plainly state in there that Penn is your first choice. Both documents (email and essay) would go into the same folder, so generally speaking you wouldn't need a separate email unless it added some new point. So, assuming you attached the essay to the email, I'd keep the email short and sweet, and state your interest in a single sentence (along the lines of "thanks you for your recent letter etc etc...I'm writing to reaffirm my strong interest in Penn, and in support of that is my essay etc etc...").

The longer you wait to send it, the less firm your interest appears, so I'd send that as soon as the essay is perfect.

Good luck!

[Hbdash]

I don't know that it is necessary since the essay itself serves as notice of intent, especially if you plainly state in there that Penn is your first choice. Both documents (email and essay) would go into the same folder, so generally speaking you wouldn't need a separate email unless it added some new point. So, assuming you attached the essay to the email, I'd keep the email short and sweet, and state your interest in a single sentence (along the lines of "thanks you for your recent letter etc etc...I'm writing to reaffirm my strong interest in Penn, and in support of that is my essay etc etc...").

The longer you wait to send it, the less firm your interest appears, so I'd send that as soon as the essay is perfect.

Good luck!

Thank you so much Dave, I really appreciate it!

[Dave Killoran]

Great, glad I could help. Thanks and have a great weekend!